Police say the purpose of these patrols and checkpoints is to identify traffic offenders and those who are driving while impaired.

In 2011, Virginia Beach police charged 2,541 individuals with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. This year, 2012, there have been 13 fatal crashes with seven of them involving alcohol, police say.

In 2011, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, 245 people were killed and 5,465 people were injured in alcohol related crashes.

These checkpoints represent the Police Department’s efforts to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the roads of Virginia Beach. Those traveling through Virginia Beach may see message boards reminding them to celebrate responsibly. Partygoers that decide to drink should make arrangements to have a designated driver to ensure they return home safely.

Police want to remind citizens about the Do Not Tow Program. Individuals that have vehicles parked in one of the Municipal Parking Lots located at 2nd, 4th, 19th, 25th streets or Rudee Loop – and realize they have had too much to drink – may contact a police officer or call 757-385-5000. An officer will be dispatched to their location, where their vehicle will be documented and a “Do Not Tow” sticker will be affixed to their windshield.

The program allows citizens to depart the resort area for the night and pick up their vehicle in the morning between 8 a.m. and noon. This is a free service, but drivers MUST obtain their pass/sticker before 2:30 a.m.

The police department says it will remain aggressive in its efforts to remove impaired drivers from the city’s roadways.